Thames Valley Police is urging Reading residents to be vigilant when dealing with callers to their homes.
This follows two separate incidents over the past week where Reading householders have been duped into allowing bogus callers into their home.
Reading Crime Reduction Advisor, John McNicholas, said: “This is by no means a new method being used by burglars and involves them having to use no force at all to get in. In fact, they rely on catching the householder off-guard.
“They have been using a cover story of being from the electricity or gas board to persuade the householder to allow them in. By the time it is noticed anything is wrong, the offenders have fled.
“In one of these incidents that occurred on Wednesday (17/2) in Argyle Street, £50 was handed over to the offender when the home owner was tricked into believing he was there to fix her boiler.
“The other incident happened on Tuesday (16/2) in Highdown Hill Road, Emmer Green. Nothing was stolen.
“My advice is to not let anybody you don’t know into your home. Make sure you can see the caller before you open the door and if you have a door chain, use it. It is best to be on the safe side and not open your door at all if you are unsure.
“Always ensure your back door is locked before opening the front door and check with the company they claim to be from. Don’t forget, it is up to you who you allow through into your home.
“If you think you have been visited by bogus callers or need further advice please contact police immediately.”
Thames Valley Police ~ Reading
